Do I Need a Permit to Propose on the Beach in Hawaii?

May 21

Planning a proposal in Hawaii is exciting — imagine palm trees swaying, ocean waves crashing, and the sun setting behind the person you’re about to spend forever with. But amidst the magic, one practical question often comes up:

Do you need a permit to propose on the beach in Hawaii?

The short answer: Yes, in most cases — especially if you’re hiring a photographer, setting up decorations, or using public land.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect (and how we handle it for you).

Why You Need a Permit for Beach Proposals in Hawaii

Beaches in Hawaii are public and regulated by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). To keep these locations safe, clean, and accessible for everyone, permits are required for any commercial activity — including photo/video sessions, decorations, or formal setups like arches, signs, or floral arrangements.

Even a simple engagement session on the sand technically requires a Right-of-Entry (ROE) permit.

Skipping the permit could lead to:

Fines or shutdowns
Being asked to leave by enforcement officers
Risking your proposal moment being interrupted

When a Permit Is Required

You’ll likely need a permit if your proposal includes:

A professional photographer or videographer
Any decorative setup (e.g., signs, floral arrangements, candles, rugs)
Tripods, drones, lighting equipment
Any commercial use of state land

If it’s just the two of you and a smartphone, technically you’re okay. But let’s be real — you want this moment professionally captured, and that means playing by the rules.

How One Moment Hawaii Handles Permits for You

At One Moment Hawaii, we believe you should be focused on the moment, not the paperwork.

Here’s how we make your proposal stress-free:

We handle all permit applications on your behalf
We only shoot at approved beaches where permits are accepted
We work closely with the DLNR to ensure every setup is compliant
We build the permit fee into your package so there are no surprises
We monitor weather and tides to adjust timing/location if needed

You don’t need to Google forms, stress over approvals, or worry about getting stopped. We’ve got you.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you’ll need a permit to propose on most beaches in Hawaii — but the good news is, you don’t need to worry about it. When you work with One Moment Hawaii, we take care of everything so you can focus on the big question… and the even bigger answer.